U-M startup Neurable raises $2 million in seed funding
Neurable, a University of Michigan startup that developed brain-computer interface technology based on breakthrough neuroscience, has raised a $2 million in seed funding to bring its software platform to market. Neurable’s technology interprets intent based on users’ brain activity, enabling real-time control of software and connected devices using only the power of the brain. The company, whose roots were planted at U-M’s Direct Brain Interface Laboratory, is developing a software development kit for integration of its technology with virtual or augmented reality content and headsets. Robert Winter of the OWL Investment Group and Brian Shin of Accomplice’s Boston Syndicates led the round with participation from Point Judith Capital or PJC, Loup Ventures, the Kraft Group, NXT Ventures and prominent angel investors.
Transplant Center Challenge calls for organ donors
The U-M Transplant Center is competing against transplant centers across the state to register organ donors. Gift of Life Michigan is coordinating the competition, which began on April 1, 2016, and continues until March 31. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson will announce the winner in April. To join the registry, visit tinyurl.com/hwq6xca. Prospective donors can join regardless of medical history, as a trained physician will assess all potentially viable organs. Joining the registry does not affect donors’ medical care and there is no cost to donate.
Reminder: Office of Research seeks staff recognition award nominees
The Office of Research is accepting nominations from the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses for the annual Research Administrator Recognition Award and the newly created Research Technical Staff Recognition Award. Nominations are due Jan. 30 and the selection will be announced in April. Additional details can be found at tinyurl.com/z7kwegs. For more information, contact Ann Leffler at aleffler@umich.edu.
Funding announced for new sustainability projects
Three faculty teams consisting of 14 researchers from six U-M colleges, schools and units have received Catalyst grants through the Graham Sustainability Institute’s Emerging Opportunities Program. The program offers eight-month grants for sustainability research activities such as conferences, project planning, white papers and workshops. The three teams each received $10,000 and their projects will investigate the vulnerability of people to wildfire smoke exposure, look at how information about human behavior can improve climate impact models to inform decisions regarding adaptation, and develop protocols to enable sharing of heritage seeds and associated information in university collections with tribal communities. The next call for Catalyst grants is now open and letters of intent are due Feb. 13. Full proposals are due March 20.
Employee W-2s now available online
2016 Form W-2 wage and tax statements now are available online. To access these forms, visit Wolverine Access and click “View W2/W-2c Forms” under “Payroll and Compensation.” Physical copies of W-2 statements are scheduled to be mailed in late January to those who do not consent to access them electronically. The university will also provide Form 1095, which reports information about health care coverage, either electronically or by mail. Employees who agreed to receive the electronic Form 1095 will be able to access the form starting Jan. 23 in Wolverine Access. To ensure prompt delivery of tax forms by the U.S. Postal Service, employees’ current home address must be correct in U-M’s records. Employees can update their current home address via Wolverine Access or by using the “Address/Personal Data Form” available on the Human Resources website at tinyurl.com/h8xrdjj.
— Compiled by Safiya Merchant, The University Record
